Effectiveness in addressing consumer wildlife crime in major Vietnamese cities

In order to assess the prevalence of consumer wildlife crime in major Vietnamese cities and evaluate the effectiveness of local authorities in addressing violations reported within their jurisdictions, ENV has been carrying out intensive consumer wildlife crime surveys. Targeted restaurants, hotels, markets, bars, pet shops and traditional medicine shops in the cities of Hanoi, Dong Ha, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City were inspected. The results of the initial surveys are reported to the district People’s Committees and relevant enforcement agencies, along with a request that they work with local authorities to tackle each violation.

Two months later, a follow-up team from ENV inspects the establishments that had previously been reported as in violation of the law, and track any changes to determine the effectiveness of enforcement authorities in addressing consumer crime. Report cards are then produced and sent to the People’s Committees, summarizing their effectiveness compared to colleagues in different districts and different provinces and cities.

ENV is currently expanding the campaign to two new cities including Vinh and Da Nang; so far, nearly 5,000 establishments have been surveyed. The following tables show the relative prevalence of consumer wildlife crimes in different cities, and the effectiveness of the authorities in addressing reported violations.

The chart shows the prevalence of consumer wildlife crime in four major cities in Vietnam. Hanoi had the highest wildlife crime rate, with 21% of inspected establishments found to be in violation of wildlife protection regulations. Dong Ha and Ho Chi Minh City were second and third, with 18% and 16% respectively. Hue had the lowest rate of wildlife crime, with 12% of monitored establishments violating regulations.

The effectiveness of enforcement was assessed on the basis of local authorities’ success in rapidly investigating and addressing violations within their jurisdictions. Success in this area was reflected in a reduction of consumer wildlife crime in establishments that were previously reported as in violation of the law. Hanoi was the most successful city in addressing consumer wildlife crimes with an average of 51% success rate overall, compared to 46% in Ho Chi Minh city, 43% in Dong Ha and 40% in Hue.